Villanova product and New York Knicks’ NBA Finals MVP Jalen Brunson Named PSWA Professional Athlete of the Year
PHILADELPHIA, Pa. — The Philadelphia Sports Writers Association (PSWA) is proud to announce that New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson has been selected as its Professional Athlete of the Year, recognizing his outstanding performance and leadership on the basketball court.
He will be honored at the 122nd Annual PSWA Awards Banquet, which will be held on Monday, January 11, 2027, at The Palestra on the campus of the University of Pennsylvania.
In leading the Knicks to the 2026 NBA Championship and earning Finals MVP, Brunson established himself among the NBA’s elite players. His ability to deliver in the biggest moments, combined with his leadership and competitive drive, has made him one of the premier players in professional basketball.
A former Villanova University standout, he helped lead the Wildcats to two NCAA national championships in three seasons and earned numerous individual honors, including the Naismith College Player of the Year in 2018.
He also earned recognition from the PSWA later that year when he was named the association’s Amateur Athlete of the Year following his outstanding collegiate career.
“What Jalen Brunson accomplished this past year has been nothing short of remarkable,” Mike Shute, Philadelphia Sports Writers Association President. “His skill, his leadership, and his connection to the Philadelphia basketball community all make him a deserving recipient of this honor. He plays his best when the stakes are the highest and has led his teams to championships at every level. We are pleased to present him with this honor, as he joins a list of past winners such as Carl Lewis, Muhammad Ali, Wilt Chamberlain and Mike Schmidt.”
The 2027 PSWA Awards Banquet will hold special significance as part of the celebration of the 100th anniversary of The Palestra, one of the most historic venues in college basketball.
The evening will bring together members of the Philadelphia sports community to celebrate outstanding athletes, coaches, administrators and members of the media while recognizing the achievements and contributions that continue to make the region one of the nation’s premier sports communities.
Tickets for the 122nd Annual PSWA Awards Banquet are $125 per person or $1,400 for a table of 12. Doors will open at 5 p.m., with the banquet beginning at 6 p.m.
Previously announced PSWA onorees* include:
Most Courageous Award – Jason Myrtetus, Phila. Flyers broadcaster
Stan Hochman Award – Dick “Hoops” Weiss, Phila. Daily News, N.Y. Daily News
Good Guy Award – Mike Mahoney, Atlantic-10 Conference
Amateur Athlete of the Year – Tague Davis, University of Louisville baseball
Most Courageous, posthumously – Chris DiJulia, St. Joseph’s University
Teams of the Year – USA Men’s, Women’s and Sled Hockey gold medalists
*Honorees attendance is not guaranteed
For additional information and to purchase tickets, visit www.phillysportswriters.com.
About the Philadelphia Sports Writers Association
The Philadelphia Sports Writers Association is one of the nation’s oldest and most respected organizations dedicated to recognizing excellence in sports and sports journalism. Through its annual awards banquet and other initiatives, the PSWA honors the athletes, coaches, administrators and media members who have made significant contributions to the world of sports. A 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, the PSWA sponsors a variety of events to raise funds to provide scholarships for deserving college students and donates to a variety of other charities both in the Philadelphia region and nationally.